John Myers
Its delicate, peculiar scent heralds spring in sparse forests. Then we find the fresh green herb on the forest floor with the fanned-out leaves over several levels and square stems. The plant grows up to 30 centimeters high. The small, white, star-shaped flowers appear at the top of the herb.
Origin
The woodruff grows in the deciduous forests of temperate latitudes. As early as the Middle Ages, the herb was often used in herbal medicine and as a fragrance for laundry.
Season
The flowering herb is collected from May to early June.
Taste
Woodruff exudes a sweet, spicy smell reminiscent of freshly mown meadows. It tastes slightly bitter. Incidentally, the aroma only really develops when the herb has wilted a little.
Use
The classic in spring, the May punch, is created when a bunch of woodruff pulls headfirst into the wine. Our May punch with woodruff syrup is a quick alternative. Teas, desserts, woodruff cake and ice cream can also be flavored with the herb. In addition, dried woodruff can also be sewn into scented sachets, which keep moths away in the closet.
Storage
The herb can be dried in an airy, shady place and can then be canned. Even when frozen, it retains its aroma well.
Origin
The woodruff grows in the deciduous forests of temperate latitudes. As early as the Middle Ages, the herb was often used in herbal medicine and as a fragrance for laundry.
Season
The flowering herb is collected from May to early June.
Taste
Woodruff exudes a sweet, spicy smell reminiscent of freshly mown meadows. It tastes slightly bitter. Incidentally, the aroma only really develops when the herb has wilted a little.
Use
The classic in spring, the May punch, is created when a bunch of woodruff pulls headfirst into the wine. Teas, desserts, and ice cream can also be flavored with the herb – particularly easy in the form of homemade woodruff syrup. In addition, dried woodruff can also be sewn into scented sachets, which keep moths away in the closet.
Storage
The herb can be dried in an airy, shady place and can then be canned. Even when frozen, it retains its aroma well.
Nutritional value/active ingredients
The main active ingredient in woodruff and also responsible for the typical taste is what is known as coumarin. The plant also contains tannins and bitter substances. Since woodruff is mostly used as a flavoring ingredient (in small quantities), it is negligible as a nutrient supplier.
